Two injured in coasteering falls

The RNLI is working on national guidelines for coasteering

Two coasteering instructors are recovering after picking up leg injuries in Torbay while considering new sites for courses.

One 42-year-old man broke his leg, and the other in his 20s dislocated his knee on rocks at Anstey's Cove.

Both were airlifted to safety by a coastguard helicopter.

The rescue prompted a call for tougher safety measures for the sport, which involves swimming and climbing around the coast.

'Big concern'

Royal National Lifeboat Institution beach safety manager Steve Wills is working with coasteering organisations to draw up the first national guidelines for training.

He said accidents were more likely as further routes were developed.

He told BBC News: "At the moment there's nothing out there and it's a big concern for us, hence we are trying to work with the industry to help themselves.

"When done well with the right equipment, coasteering is a fun and enjoyable sport."

The injured men were from a party of five checking out new routes for an Exeter-based outdoor adventure firm.

Roger Davies, watch manager at Brixham Coastguard, said: "Unfortunately we did not know that this group was on the rocks at the time in such a precarious position and in cold weather.

"Fortunately our rescue units were very promptly on scene."